£209 warning to 9million drivers as worry contributed to crashes

Experts are warning that the arctic blast the UK is currently experiencing is creating a ‘perfect storm’ of dangerous driving conditions - especially for older drivers. One in ten drivers over 65 had an ‘accident, near miss, or lost control of their vehicle’ last winter according to research by TrustFord.

The mixture of rain and temperatures hovering around freezing point are what is making roads particularly dangerous. While snow or heavy rain creates a very clear visual warning sign for drivers, the current conditions, set to extend into next week, are likely to lead to black idea - a thin transparent layer of ice that can be very hard to spot and can look like a wet patch on the road.

Black ice can be particularly troublesome for older drivers, as weaker eyesight can make it even harder to spot - meanwhile slower reactions can make it harder to avoid or to correct a vehicle if it does begin to skid.

One way to increase driving confidence in winter is to have a seasonal check, but concerns around being overcharged or taken advantage of mean older drivers often avoid mechanics. There are over 9m drivers aged 65+ in the UK.

Amongst those who realised they had been overcharged in the past 12 months, they estimate that they had been so to the tune of £209 on average - equating to a national total of £141m in the past year. TrustFord has announced a free Winter Check for drivers aged 65 or over. The check is available to drivers who have any make or model of vehicle - not just Fords. The full check includes a technician filming a walkaround of the vehicle, to offer complete reassurance.

Stuart Cresswell, Motoring Expert and Aftersales Director, TrustFord, said: “We know that many older drivers get particularly anxious about driving in winter and the weather the UK is currently experiencing could lead to a perfect storm of dangerous conditions. Snow or heavy rain creates a clear visual warning for drivers, but wet roads and temperatures around the zero create perfect conditions for black ice which are hard for anyone to spot, let alone older drivers whose eyesight might not be quite as sharp. It can also be harder for them to take evasive action.

“It is also concerning that a minority of garages appear to be overcharging some drivers, eroding trust. We also know that many older people are feeling the effects of the cut in the Winter Fuel Allowance. We want older motorists to feel supported in local communities and cared for within our branches, where we treat customers like we would our own family. As such, we’re delighted to support them by launching a completely free check for all older drivers, with any make or model of vehicle, to help them feel confident on the roads this winter, without it hitting them in the pocket.”